Winter Driving Conditions Create Hazards In Forests

Officials with Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are warning motorists to be cautious driving on forest roads.

"We are in a time when accidents could easily happen if people don't use common sense," Bob Dyson, with Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest said.

Most of the roads in the forest are neither gated, nor do they have signs saying they are closed," Dyson added.

When a motorist sees a road that is obviously covered in what could be deep snow, they should think twice about going down the road, Dyson said.

The forest service recommends four-wheel drive with high clearance or at least snow chains when driving on forest roads, Dyson said. The forest service also recommends not driving on muddy roads whatsoever because vehicles can easily become stuck.

Road closures in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest include Forest Roads 300 as well as 86, to Black Canyon Lake, in the Rim Lakes Recreation area.

Parking is available at the junction of Highway 260 and Forest Road 300 for those wishing to use the area for cross-country skiing. FR 237 near Forest Lakes is still open, but should only be used by experienced drivers, Dyson said.